Tips For Traveling with Little Ones in Tow

You’re planning a trip for the whole family.  You’ve bought the airline tickets, secured the rental car, and booked the hotel room.  But you’ve never traveled with your infant.   What do you bring with you to make traveling as smooth as possible with the little one in tow?  Read on to find out!

PREPARING FOR THE TRIP

Formula, Breast Milk and Juice

If you are traveling with an infant or toddler, TSA allows formula and breast milk greater than 3.4 ounces in your carry-on bag.  There are some restrictions or processes that you should be aware of.  When the boys were toddlers, I would bring their favorite sippy cup – empty of course.  Once we passed through security, I would either purchase a drink for them or acquire one once we got on the plane.

Snacks

Make sure to pack some favorite snacks to quell their hunger mid-flight or drive.  I like to pack ziplock bags with pretzels, M&Ms and other savory picks also as it is a lot less expensive than purchasing snacks at the airport before you take off.

Toys

Whether traveling or hanging out at your final destination, it is super important to pack some favorite toys.  Depending on the age, I pack different items.  For infants, I recommend:

• A favorite blanket or stuffed animal
• Pacifiers if needed
• Mirrored toy – there’s something about mirrors that hold babies’ interest.

For toddlers, I recommend:

• Board books
• Favorite blanket/stuffed toy
• Downloading some fun videos to pass time (if your plane doesn’t have TVs)
• Ear buds – please, please, please make sure that you are using ear buds that are meant for little ones’ ears.  There are specialized ones, such as the ones by Kidnect. The volume-limiting technology allows for kids to listen safely to their favorite shoes or music for up to 6 hours.

For elementary school kids, I recommend all of the above, plus:

• Age-appropriate books
• Playing cards
• Coloring books and crayons

Safety

Safety is paramount when it comes to traveling with little ones.  If you are traveling on an airplane with infants or toddlers it is recommended to purchase a seat for them, with them seated in an FAA-approved car seat.  It is an extra expense, but I feel the peace of mind is worth it.

Also, if you plan on traveling via car make sure to bring your current car seat or inquire if the car rental agency has one available.

I was recently introduced to the Doona car seat – what I dub as the perfect travel companion when you have an infant.  I so wish this car seat was available when my boys were babies.  With ease, you can transform this car seat into a smooth-riding stroller.  It is the only car seat that offers an integrated mobility system.  No adaptors or bases are needed when traveling (although the car seat does come with a base).

If you live in a city where you go from home to taxi or uber to your final destination, the Doona is for you.   Equipped with the best 5-point harness in the industry, this car seat could replace conventional car seats altogether!  The safety features are barnone:

• Front legs’ unique honeycomb construction is designed to absorb energy during side impact
• EPS foam is wrapped completely under the Textile Set which absorbs the energy during impact.
• Side Impact Protection Head Rest that has memory foam on the sides.
  • Memory foam offers comfort by molding to the shape of the head
  • Memory foam resists at the time of impact to offer added layer of side impact protection

The car seat is perfect for babies from 4 – 35 pounds or 32 inches long.  Check out how easy it is to transform the car seat into a stroller (and back again).

To install the car seat in your vehicle is a snap as well!

This amazing (and gorgeous) stroller comes in an array of colors – my favorites are the two new ones debuting this season!

Accessories are not lacking with this car seat.   They’ve thought of everything – a variety of bags that easily attach to the car seat, sunshade extensions, insect nets, vehicle seat protectors (one comes with the car seat but you can buy additional ones), wheel covers, and 360 degree protection!

READY TO TAKE OFF?

Whether you are traveling by air, land or sea I hope these tips were super helpful for you!  I’d love to hear of any tips that you use when you travel with the little ones.  Please comment below!